Chancellor Philip L. Dubois has been busy this past month meeting with newly elected officials. The visits were a great way for the newly elected county commissioners and legislators to learn more about UNC Charlotte. In addition to meeting with Chancellor Dubois, each group also participated in a campus tour.
Chancellor Dubois also recently met with two UNC Charlotte alumni who hold committee assignments in the state legislature: Rep. Jason Saine ’95 and Rep. Dean Arp ’99. Rep. Saine is a senior chairman of the N.C. House Appropriations Committee, and Rep. Arp is vice chair of the N.C. House Appropriations Capital Committee and a chairman of the N.C. House Appropriations Committee.
UNC Charlotte 2019 Legislative Priorities
Funding for Renovations of Cameron and Burson Buildings
Funding for renovations of Cameron and Burson buildings is needed to increase lab and classroom space for fast-growing fields including STEM, computing and informatics, engineering and other physical sciences.
During the past five years, the University experienced an 88 percent increase in student enrollment in computer science. What needs attention in Cameron and Burson? The roof, fire safety, ADA, replacement of windows for energy efficiency and life safety improvements, such as ventilation, as well as repurposing space for classrooms and computer labs.
Increase Carryforward Authority
Increasing carryforward authority from 2.5 to 7.5 percent of appropriation for repairs and renovations. Carryforward refers to state appropriated funds that can be moved from one fiscal year to the next year to more efficiently deploy resources. Past carryforward uses included Colvard Building research space renovations, campus fire alarm upgrades and roadway improvements.
Increase Approval Authority
Increasing approval authority for small capital projects to $1 million, up from $300,000, to streamline approval authority which will avoid delays and contain costs. Routine projects, including replacing the roofs and elevators, are below the proposed $1 million limit.
Enrollment Growth Funding
As UNC Charlotte remains the fastest-growing campus in the UNC System, enrollment funding continues to be a priority. UNC Charlotte will exceed 30,000 students in 2019.
Salary Increases for University Faculty and Staff
Salaries, an important tool for recruiting, retaining and recognizing excellent faculty and staff, have lagged in the marketplace. Boosting them assures competitive advantage.